Could this warm, wet summer be the cause of all these dragonflies? Not likely.

The life cycle of a dragonfly starts out under water. An adult female will lay its eggs on or near water. Once the eggs hatch, the first stage of their lifecycle begins. They are aquatic larvae, or nymphs. Some species can stay in the nymph stage for up to 5 years; hibernating during the winter months and doing all things necessary to survive. They then emerge out of the water, go through metamorphosis and transform into an adult dragonfly.

Once an adult, they live only a few months, depending on the weather. If is dry and warm, they can live up to 6 months, but if it's cold, then only a few weeks. Maybe our uncommonly warm winter had something to do with the large populations you are seeing everywhere.

Whatever the reason, dragonflies are great insects to have around. They are harmless to humans and they actually eat other pesky insects such as mosquitos. So, an abundance is a good thing!

Come out to Stumpy Lake and rent a kayak (tandem & singles available) to paddle this beautiful area. Life jackets & paddles included. Children age 3 must be at least 25 lbs and those under 18 must be with an adult.

$10/hr/boat | Pay on site; cash only

Join Us for a Kayak Birding Tour

Kayaking the inland waters of Virginia Beach is a unique way to experience our area's hidden treasures that are not easily accessible by other means. Gliding quietly on the water gives you an opportunity to view wildlife and appreciate the water from a different perspective.

On September 22, we'll set out early from Little Island Park to explore the marshes of Back Bay from the water. We will travel through prime habitat and hunting grounds for a variety of egrets, herons, ibis, waterfowl, rails, sandpipers, osprey and eagles.

One common and easily identifiable resident of the marshes is the red-winged blackbird. This stocky black bird makes its home among the reeds and the male is easy to spot by his red & yellow epaulets (i.e. shoulder feathers) and by his persistent call.

Join us to get a bird's eye view of the marsh. This trip is appropriate for all levels of birders and kayakers; no previous experience in either is required. We recommend binoculars for this trip.

*Please note that this trip has had a location change since it was first offered in our Summer Catalog.

Register Now for FREE Family Fishing Clinic!

Saturday, October 6 | 8:30 am - 1:00 pm | Munden Point Park

Go fish! Spend a morning at Munden Point Park learning to fish with your kids (ages 5-14) at our free Family Fishing Clinic. Don't miss the chance to team up with experienced fishermen for guided instruction on beginning fishing skills.You'll learn about tackle, bait, knot tying and casting. We'll even help you reel in your catch! This program is always a hit with parents and kids alike.

Advance registration is required. Register under the parent or guardian name at any Virginia Beach Recreation Center or online via EZreg. Space is limited to the first 150 participants. A parent or guardian must be present for every 4 children.

Fishing poles, tackle and bait are provided, if needed. This event will be held rain or shine. A hot dog lunch is included.

Explore the works of over 75 artists and craftsmen during the 37th annual Artisans in the Park, Art and Craft Festival - all in the serenely secluded backdrop of Great Neck Park. This two-day event is now in September, offering you the opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy Virginia Beach's early autumn weather while checking out the local and regional artists displaying, demonstrating and selling original art and fine craft wares.

Artists & Craftsmen

A variety of art and fine craft styles are represented, including pottery, metal and glass work, photography, jewelry, drawing and paintings, and sculpture. All work is of original design.

Great Neck Recreation Centerwill be closed August 27 through September 2 for annual maintenance. The pool will remain closed through September 9.

All Virginia Beach Recreation Centers and Owl Creek Tennis Center will be closed Monday, September 3 for Labor Day.

Bayside Recreation Center will be closed September 10-16 for annual maintenance. The pool will remain closed through September 23.

Kempsville Recreation Center will be closed September 24-30 for annual maintenance.

Princess Anne Recreation Center will be closed October 8-14 for annual maintenance. The pool will remain closed through October 21.

Don't forget that your membership is good at all six Virginia Beach Recreation Centers! If your usual center is closed for maintenance, take the opportunity to visit another center. Use this locator to help you find one!

Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation believes all of our diverse citizens have a right to participate in community recreation and we are committed to creating equal access for everyone who may have a challenge or barrier. If your child requires additional support, we can help. Learn more about our accommodation and inclusion services.

We welcome your comments and questions. Feel free to email us at fun@vbgov.com.

Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation is accredited by CAPRA, the certifying agency of the National Recreation and Park Association.